Non-explicit Key actors in Problem-resolution Policy in The Deep South of Thailand

Abstract

This article examines the national security policies and plans of the current implementor of the problem-resolution policy, Office of the National Security Council in 2023-2027, focusing on the three southern border provinces of Thailand. The study analyzes such the government's policy based on the prime minister's policy statements from 2005 to 2024. The data were obtained by documentary research and in-depth interviews. This study finds that the policy needs more clarity in identifying the key actors responsible for the problems in the southern border provinces. It does not clearly define the groups of insurgents and the cause of their dissidence from the state. This lack of clarity has resulted in a lack of unity among various agencies responsible for policy formulation and implementation, leading to an inability to solve the problem for over two decades. In 2013, the Thai government and the Patani Melayu National Revolutionary Front (Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani: BRN) reached a general agreement on the peace dialogue process and the beginning of official peace talks with the BRN. This article aims to analyze the government's policy of the problem-resolution in the deep south of Thailand and offers recommendations for future policy formulation.